Sung Su's Clock
The Cosmic Engine
The astronomical clock tower of Sung Su is one of the most famous of ancient clocks. This great tower was built in China around 1090 CE and was known as the Cosmic Engine.The Cosmic Engine began life in 1086 when the boy emperor of China decreed the building of an astronomical clock to surpass all others. The project was assigned to Su Sung who in turn appointed Han Kung-lien as chief designer. The clock was finally completed in 1094. Details of its design were published under the title "New Design for a Mechanized Armillary".
The astronomical tower was one of the largest water clocks. It was driven by a large water wheel with hinged scoops on the end. These were filled with water from a tank and became in effect a giant water-driven escapement.
The tower stood some 30 feet high with another 10 feet added for an observation platform. The tower contained a number of automata that would move and ring bells to indicate the time.
The main feature of Sung Su's clock tower was the huge bronze armillary sphere mounted in an observation platform at the top. This showed the position of the Sun, the Moon and certain stars, information used for the Chinese calendar and astrology. A smaller star globe in a lower chamber also showed this information for those who did not need to actually observe the heavens.
All of the mechanisms - clock, automata and spheres - were controlled by the great water wheel.
Sung Su's clock tower was later destroyed. Some accounts say that this was the work of invaders, others that it was the result of political feuding following a change of leadership in China.